LON STAPLETON

Father of Five Meets With Fatal Accident

Lon Stapleton, age 37 years was ground to death beneath the wheels
of a C & O freight train near the Buffalo Tunnel about one mile east
of Paintsville last Thursday morning about 2 a. m. The mans body
was horribly cut and mangled. Both legs were cut off, his head
crushed to a pulp, one eye protruding from its socket and lying on
his cheek, his body otherwise cut and bruised beyond recognition.

Stapleton, in the company of Max Conley, was enroute home from
Greasy Creek to his home in Bridgeford Addition, when the accident
occurred. As the freight train approached the train crew noticed
him on the track but thought he made a safe crossing. Later, an
investigation proved the train had struck and killed him. It is the
consensus of opinion that he attempted to cross the track directly
in front of the passing train, but a curve prevented the train crew
from seeing the man in time to stop and prevent the accident.

Both Stapleton and Conley were drinking, it is reported, and this
no doubt, was responsible for Stapleton's death.

Stapleton had been employed by the C&O as a brakeman for a number
of years and at times acted as a special conductor.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon and the remain interred
at the Huff Cemetery near his home in Bridgeford.

He is survived by his widow and fie children, all girls, and much
sympathy is felt for his wife and children.

The Paintsville Herald
Thursday
Oct. 6, 1927

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